THE WAIKINO TRAGEDY

Hokitika Guardian, 15 February 1924, Page 3

THE WAIKINO TRAGEDY

[liV TELEGRAPH —PER PRESS ASSOCIATION

THE JUDGE SCATS UP. AUCKLAND, rco. 14

Summing up in the Wnikino t mint or care. Judge Stringer said it was rdmitted flint Higgins had taut 'I the death of the children, and Lia’ runs was on the defence to prove that the accu-ed was not responsible for his actions. Higgins vans subject tr the penalties of the law for mur 1 r. unless ho had exhibited, to the seti,faction of the tragedy lie was irresponsible within the definition of the law. He asked the jury to return a verdi”t in one of the two deliiiiH l form-, either a single verdict of guilt v in ca v the prisoner wa- nnt, irresponsible, or on the oilier hand, thai lie was nisa.is at the

time of th” commission of tic crime, The inry might accept it as eh at that Higgins i- insane and that, he suffer l from delusional n-anify. Tic iioe-iion I Ing. had to determine was ti.ag wliether on (let. 19t.1i. ii hail ri'M 4’’.! such a stage that he was no longer lespon-tblo for his tieiion. The Crow i admitted that the accused suffered from dehgsiinis, hut not to the oxter: that he was unable to go about in his miimiiv avocation,. In cbnclusion the .Page stated that he had earei'udy refrained from giving any indication ol his ow n (.pillion ill the ease. Tt on- t’) - tiri.lv f.ir llm Jury. Tic Jury retired at 11 to eon- : ids. r their verdict